Case
Undermining Paraprofessional

Mr. Mitchell's high school special education classroom has nine students and two paraprofessionals. Both paraprofessionals arrive on time, complete tasks, and work hard. However, one paraprofessional feels that Mr. Mitchell does not run his classroom the way she would. When asked to hand out small, edible items for good behavior, this paraprofessional refuses in front of students. In the middle of a lesson, the paraprofessional makes negative comments to Mr. Mitchell. She also gives students 50 cents for snacks and other things outside of the classroom becoming the students' favorite which makes it hard for Mr. Mitchell to control is classroom as they only want to listen to the paraprofessional.

What can Mr. Mitchell do to co-exist with this paraprofessional to create a healthy, classroom environment?

Posted on: 10/18/14 | Views: 1271
Solution #1
The first step would be a professional conversation between Mr. Mitchell and the paraprofessional about his concerns and expectations. If problems persist, the content or grade-level admin should be involved. Having students witness the tension and the negative comments is unacceptable. Students key into that and will use that to take over the classroom. In the meantime, Mr. Mitchell can take the high road and try to be the bigger person. The parapro obviously has some issues, but he does not have to let them ruin his whole class.

This sounds like a good option to this issue. I think that when the teachers talk they should have a third party there, someone that can hold them both accountable for anything said including any solution.

Always try discussing the problem first.

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Solution #2
I would definitely have a conversation with the para outside of class. This is not appropriate behavior. If that does not help, admin would have to be contacted. If she is being a hinder to your classroom, she needs to be removed.
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Solution #3
I would definitely have a serious conversation with the paraprofessional before I did anything else in this situation. There may just be a simple communication issue between us that could be easily fixed with a conversation. If that did not work I would contact my boss/their boss to discuss the situation. At the end of the day, it is my classroom and I make the rules and the paraprofessional would just have to accept that.
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Solution #4
I would explain to the paraprofessional that if she has a problem with the way he runs things, to please not do it in front of the students. I would also explain to her that going behind his back and giving more incentives to be the favorite is only hurting the students. i would bring administration in if necessary. I would first want to be sure to try and handle the situation just him and his para.
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Solution #5
It's absolutely important to pull aside the para or even contact administration, as the para is intentionally ruining the classroom. First off, the negative remarks can be very damaging to the students' self-esteem, and children need as much emotional support as they can in the classroom. Her giving the kids money directly is irresponsible, especially coupled with how she refuses to give them edibles as rewards. She's also pulling the children away from the teacher, which is very detrimental to the classroom as only the teacher is qualified to lead the classroom. It's essential to either correct this behavior or remove the para ASAP.
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Solution #6
The first thing that you should do is to confront the paraprofessional, and to explain that her job is not to plan for the classroom. If this does not help, then the principal should be informed.
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